How to Choose Hiking Boots

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The women's Vasque Monolith Mid WP hiking boots feature EVA footbeds and midsoles that cushion your feet on rocky trails, while waterproof UltraDry keeps you dry all the way back to the trailhead.
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View all Vasque Women's Day Hiking BootsBest Use | Hiking |
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Footwear Height | Over-the-ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Waterproof | Yes |
Upper | 1.8mm waterproof leather/mesh |
Lining | UltraDry |
Midsole | Molded EVA |
Outsole | Rubber |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 10 oz. |
Gender | Women's |
6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Women's | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 12 |
U.S. Men's | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 |
UK | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 |
EU | 36 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 |
Foot Length (in.) | 9.1 | 9.3 | 9.4 | 9.6 | 9.8 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.2 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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I bought these 2 days before leaving on vacation so I had no time to break them in. I foolishly visited a zoo wearing sandals and got a huge blister 2 days prior to going to Glacier National Park, Then I met my son and daughter at Glacier National Park and totally thought I would be staying behind while they hiked. I used REI hiking socks, blister band-aids, and these boots and had no discomfort. We hiked 3 trails, 7 -10 miles each with a lot of up-hill climbing. I had no discomfort and no problem keeping up with my "kids". I have two pairs to return that I bought from other companies that I knew were not going to work. I am so thankful for the help and patience from the salesperson at REI!
As a dancer and teacher, I always go for comfort. I tried on several brands in my price range at the store and bought these right before a week-long road trip through the 5 Utah national parks in November and wanted something warm, waterproof, and sturdy that would last me a lifetime. These are super cute, too! The gray is nice and they are a little more streamlined and less clunky looking than some hiking boots, and very lightweight which is perfect for winter day hiking for me. The soles are not as flexible as Keens (so good for rocky terrain), but some other brands felt stiff and rubbed (would take some breaking in). They do run small - I'm usually a 7.5-8, and was told to size up half a size for thick socks and another half size to account for swelling during hiking. I ended up with a 9, which I've never bought in anything.
While at Ann Arbor REI last month, The Sales Associate named Megan was a great help preparing me for my first pair of Hiking Books and Pants. My husband and I were preparing for Easy to Moderate Hikes in Southern Utah. Megan was especially helpful to correctly suggest, size, and fit me. I am petite. About 9 days of various day hikes at up to 11,000 ft and 5 - 10 miles each day wearing these boots I was able to keep manage slippery rock situations and switch backs. Lightweight and flexible. Good ankle support when I needed it. I'm so pleased!!!! Thank you Megan and REI!!!
I just did half dome in these in 9 hours and 40 minutes. I only wore them 3 other times and they did not do me wrong. Super supportive and comfy. Pretty decent arch support. Not once during the Half dome hike did they give me discomfort.
Admittedly, the Achilles problem was probably more due to a deep bruise than any injury...but we hike every weekend (with rare exceptions), and my old HiTecs kept rubbing the spot and preventing real healing. I had loved my HiTecs...great for my pronation problems...but I clearly needed a change. The technology has so vastly improved since I bought my old boots...these boots are lighter while still providing excellent ankle support. Today was my first hike in them. We planned to do 6 miles, but ended up doing 12, and I have no ankle or achilles pain! Plus, several water crossings proved that they really ARE waterproof. Very, very pleased with this purchase.
I just finished an 11 mile hike with these shoes without even breaking them in! No blisters, no discomfort. They do stretch out a bit while wearing them so if they feel tight in the store don't worry about it. I did NOT buy mine is a half a size bigger (I'm an 8 and I bought an 8) I actually considered switching them for a 7.5 but I think having a little extra room will be nice if I wear thicker socks in colder weather. They are very light and have great ankle support. I got a lot of compliments on the trail as well!
I bought these boots before going on a three day backpacking trip. I normally wear a size seven shoe but got these boots in an eight to account for swelling and toe room. I was a bit worried about wearing them at first because I did not have time to break them in before the trip. These boots surprised me however, because after the three days backpacking, I had no blisters and never even got a hot spot. They were extremely comfortable and performed wonderfully in streams and mud. I love these boots!
I loved the look of these boots (obviously not the most important thing but it's nice) so I hoped they would fit better than they did. I don't usually have trouble with shoes being too narrow but these definitely were. I considered going up a size but felt that they would be too long at that point. I also found them less substantial than other boots of the same price point - the sole/tread seemed thin, the toe isn't covered in rubber for durability, and they don't come up very high to support the ankle. If you're looking for a lightweight shoe for short day hikes only over easier terrain, these might be great! Especially if you have a narrow foot. But for longer hikes or rougher terrain, they didn't feel like enough.
A perfect boot for even or mildly rocky trails. It has a nice appearance, looking more like a walking shoe than a hiking boot so it's also nice for in town trail walking. I've had no heel slide or blisters. I tend to pronate and wear the heels on shoes unevenly but so far, after a long summer of hiking, the heels are holding up well. I hike mostly in canyons and mesas, some easy climbing, some off-trail. I would definitely recommend this boot.
I need low shoes or those that cover my ankle bones but don't obstruct my flexibility. These boots were great on a 5 mile hike with no breaking in, and then just as comfortable on the next 7 mile hike. Very pleased with the flexibility and comfort of this boot. And it is nice looking too. I got lots of compliments on the trail!